Essex Police are looking to bolster their search dog capability by appealing to residents for any unwanted gundog breeds.

Essex Police’s dog section is hoping to acquire spaniels or spaniel crosses who are aged between one to two years old who may be proving too much for family life. The force’s dog handlers are happy to discuss the prospects of re-homing such animals and look at the potential of having them as working police dogs.

Anyone who is interested in helping Essex Police should contact dog handler Sgt Neil Phimister on 101 (extension 480483) or e-mail neil.phimister@essex.pnn.police.uk